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This Week’s City Meetings [Updated twice]

March 2, 2025

Updated 3/3/25 @ 8:45 a.m. – Public Arts Commission agenda revised to delete closed session that was inadvertently included. Updated 3/3/25 @ 9:50 a.m. – To add Water Tower Committee on Wednesday and to correct Landmarks Commission meeting to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday instead of 6:00 p.m.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Use of the Affordable Housing Policy Update from Kurt Paulsen.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to
join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82572427438?pwd=rLbyUoBoRhsFFxbcE2rVPTJ5JFsPQb.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 825 7242 7438
Passcode: 767507

City of Whitewater Starin Park Water Tower CommitteeWednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/223044829
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 223-044-829
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Landmarks CommissionWednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion of plans for Landmarks Commission and America 250 in Whitewater.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/428225613
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 428-225-613
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding plans for the Art Innovation Celebration.
VIRTUAL ONLY
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/161162701
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 161-162-701
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Warhawks Win WIAC Tournament, Claim NCAA Bid

March 1, 2025
Photo by Steve Frommell

Oshkosh, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team took down #10 UW-Oshkosh 64-61 on their home court to hoist the WIAC Tournament trophy and claim the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. 

The tournament title is the fourth in program history for UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks will find out what lies ahead in their 23rd – and ninth consecutive – NCAA Tournament appearance during the Selection Show set for 1:30 PM Monday. Fans can watch the selection show live on ncaa.com. The first round is scheduled for Friday, March 7.

After the two regular season meetings between these two squads featured a combined three overtimes – UWO winning both – basketball fans knew Saturday’s matchup was going to be a great game, and it certainly was. 

UW-Whitewater got off to a quick start, scoring the first five points of the contest bolstered by a Katie Hildebrandt three-pointer. The Warhawk advantage would hit five three more times in the period including on the final bucket of the quarter – a jumper by Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) that made it 18-13. 

The gap swelled to double digits in the second quarter with the Warhawks enjoying a 13-point, 38-25, lead at the intermission. 

Although the margin dipped into single digits twice in the third, UWW pushed it back to double figures by the end of the quarter to hold a 51-41 lead going into the final quarter. 

The Titans whittled away at the gap until pulling withing one, 58-57 with less than two to go. Hildebrandt knocked down a layup with 54 seconds to go to push the lead back to three, 60-57. 

Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) pulled down the defensive board on a missed layin for UWO and the Warhawks immediately called timeout. The inbounds went to Carollo and the senior hit one of two to make it a two possession game, 61-57, with 21 seconds left.

UWO scored quickly and fouled quickly to send Carollo back to the line with just seven seconds taken off from the previous set of free throws. Carollo missed the first but hit the second to make it 62-59 with 14 seconds on the clock. 

The Titans put up a three-pointer that caromed off the rim and was nearly hauled in by Carollo but an Oshkosh player was able to gain possession and kick it back out for another deep shot. The shot was good, but to the dismay of the home crowd, the officials signaled for two, not three. The referees went to the replay computer to take a second look and came back with the same result – the shooter’s foot was on the line and the Warhawks maintained the lead, 62-61, with five seconds remaining. 

The final play for UWW was an inbounds to Carollo, a foul and a pair of free throws for the senior guard to make it 64-61 with just two ticks of the clock left. 

Oshkosh had an opportunity at the buzzer, but the floater inside the arc was no good as UWW gathered at center court in celebration. 

Carollo picked up her 10th double-double of the season to tie the career record for career double-doubles with 28. She posted 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a block in 37 minutes played. 

Hildebrandt added 18 points and 6 boards while Gillis dropped in 12 points and hauled in 5 rebounds. 

Prior to the start of the game, Carollo was named the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete for Women’s Basketball. A complete release on this accomplishment will be announced next week. 

Local Student Named to IL Wesleyan University’s Dean’s List

March 1, 2025

BLOOMINGTON, IL – Brooke Mason, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Mason is a first-year majoring in Music Theatre.

Mason was among 827 students from 31 states and 28 countries named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight As.

Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan is a nationally recognized, highly selective liberal arts university. The University is exclusively undergraduate and enrolls approximately 1,700 students from across the nation and around the globe. Illinois Wesleyan prides itself on producing graduates who are well-rounded, broadly educated individuals with a spirit of inquiry who can successfully adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing, complex world.

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

March 1, 2025

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, recently announced it has been named as a 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. In Wisconsin, only four rural hospitals have been awarded this esteemed distinction.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community
Hospitals in the country, as well as one of only four in the state,” said James Nelson,
CFO and Senior Vice President, Finance & Strategic Development, of Fort HealthCare.
“Our employees exemplify our mission, vision, and values to deliver the highest quality
of care possible—close to home—and are dedicated to serving our patients and our
greater community.”

“The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals award program elevates the very best
performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and
operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This is our 10th year recognizing the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with this year’s winners.”

The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural
hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized
nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations,
and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our
communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and
resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.

Disability Advocate Speaking on Americans with Disabilities Act

March 1, 2025

Disability Advocate, Best-Selling Author to Speak on the Americans with Disabilities Act at UW-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is excited to announce that Rebekah Taussig, an educator, disability advocate and best-selling author, will visit campus in March. 

Rebekah Taussig

Taussig, who wrote the best-selling memoir Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body, will present a public lecture on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. in Hyland Hall’s Timmerman Auditorium on the Whitewater campus.

“Dr. Taussig’s account of her lived experience is critical to understanding the ableism that exists today,” said Debbie Reuter, director of UWW’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). “Most able-bodied individuals have the opportunity to grow in their awareness of ableism.” Reuter shared that “CSD supports making Whitewater’s campus more equitable and inclusive for everyone, and events like this help us meet that goal.”

UW-Whitewater has a long-standing priority mission to serve students with disabilities. The CSD, established more than 50 years ago, serves more than 1,300 Warhawks annually. The Warhawk men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams have combined for 17 intercollegiate national championships since 1982 and produce medal-winning Paralympians.

The UW-Whitewater LIFE program for young adults with intellectual disabilities was launched in 2019 and is currently at full capacity. The university’s department of special education earned the 2024 Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Excellence Award for its track record in preparing and placing future educators. UW-Whitewater has also hosted the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games for each of the last two years, welcoming more than 1,400 athletes and coaches to campus in 2024.

Because of this priority mission, UWW is continually seeking better understand the experiences of disabled people and ways to provide increased access to all. “One of our core values is improving the quality of life for the communities we serve,” said Matt Vick, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education (SGSCE). “By bringing Dr. Taussig to campus for this lecture, we hope community members will join us in discussing how we can keep moving the needle.”

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA fundamentally changed the landscape of the built world and continues to be one of the most protective pieces of protective legislation for disabled Americans. Yet, this same population still experiences vast disparities in access from their nondisabled counterparts. We have come so far, and we have so far to go. “This is especially true for people with mental health disabilities,” said Reuter. “The stigma associated with less visible disabilities is still a barrier for many.”

In her lecture, Taussig will reflect on the grueling, exciting story of what it took to get here, give a clear picture of this present moment, and cast a vision for a future that creates more access for all of us. 

Taussig’s visit to UWW will be hosted by SGSCE in partnership with the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership. The Thompson Center funds speaker events that help leaders address pressing policy challenges and promote local policymaking solutions.

Taussig’s lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. While registration is not necessary, parking passes are required – see the event website for more information. Livestream will also be accessible through that link.

Discussion groups reading Taussig’s best-selling memoir will be held on campus and in the community in advance of her visit.

Local Students Honored for Academics at UW-Platteville

March 1, 2025

UW-Platteville announces Chancellor’s List

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its Chancellor’s List, honoring those with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average for the fall 2024 semester.

Students from this area who earned the 4.0 grade-point average include:

Whitewater, WI

 Eloise Rohloff, Dairy Science BS, Main

UW-Platteville announces Dean’s List

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Dean’s List, honoring those full-time students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 and above in the fall 2024 semester.

Students from this area on the Dean’s List include: 

Whitewater, WI

 Eloise Rohloff, Dairy Science BS
 Evie Troxel, Health & Human Performance BS

UW-W Dept. of Music Unveils Exciting Lineup of March Concerts

February 28, 2025

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its March events beginning with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 followed by the Faculty Chamber Trio later that evening at 7:30 p.m. The University/Community Band then takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, and Sonict Ensemble brings a unique, innovative performance to the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4. The next installment of the Music Mosaics series takes place at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 as the Whitewater Brass Quintet takes the spotlight. The Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz present an afternoon of vocal performances beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, and the month’s performances conclude with the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs their Carnegie Hall repertoire under the direction of Dr. Glenn C. Hayes on March 2 in preparation for their third visit to the prestigious music venue. Their highly anticipated appearance at Carnegie Hall takes place at 8 p.m. on March 11 as part of the 2025 New York Wind Band Festival. You can help them complete their fundraising efforts by giving a tax-deductible gift of any amount toward the transportation costs of the trip. Visit https://events.uww.edu/event/8176-symphonic-wind-ensemble for more information. You may also send a check payable to the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. and list fund 0487 on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc., Alumni Center, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI. 53190. Any donor who contributes $500 or more will receive a commemorative plaque of the performance.

Also on March 2, the Faculty Chamber Trio, comprised of Drs. Ellenwood, Whitcomb and Shapiro, present an incredible performance of the trios by Frühling and Fauré. These compositions are written specifically for clarinet, cello, and piano—a truly beautiful and versatile chamber music ensemble. 

On March 3, the University/Community Band brings together University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students and community members for an evening of inspiring, collaborative music.

Music enthusiasts can look forward to a truly unique performance on March 4 by the Sonict Ensemble, which brings together UW-Whitewater faculty, students, and guest artists to perform music of the highest technical and emotional caliber.

The next installment of the Music Mosaics series, a high-caliber series designed to raise money to support music scholarships, features the Whitewater Brass Quintet on March 6. The quintet comes together for a dynamic performance of repertoire written for brass quintets that is sure to keep you captivated.

Experience the vocal mastery of the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz groups on March 16 as they come together for an exciting afternoon of music featuring the world premiere of a new work by Chinese American composer Chen Yi. This concert promises to be a celebration of vocal talent.

Finally, immerse yourself in a captivating symphonic journey and experience the brilliance of the esteemed Whitewater Symphony Orchestra on March 18. The orchestra’s harmonious blend of woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings come together to bring classical masterworks and modern-day compositions to life. With their unrivaled talent and dedication to musical excellence, the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra promises an unforgettable performance that will leave you awe-inspired.

March Concert Schedule:

  • Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.: Symphonic Wind Ensemble in The Young Performing Arts Center
  • Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.: Faculty Chamber Trio
  • Monday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.: University/Community Band in The Young Performing Arts Center
  • Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.: Sonict Ensemble
  • Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.: Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet
  • Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.: Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz
  • Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.: Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in The Young Performing Arts Center

Beyond the many featured and ticketed events in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events . 

All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Admission for all of the above events except Music Mosaics is $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. For Music Mosaics, $10 for adults and $6 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event. 

Ticket Services is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the academic year. They are located in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.

The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Local Student Graduates from UW-Madison

February 28, 2025

Just over 2,000 students received degrees during the University of Wisconsin-Madison Winter 2024 Commencement at the Kohl Center on Dec. 15, 2024. Nearly 1,400 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center, where commencement speaker and “Top Chef: Wisconsin” finalist Dan Jacobs donned a Badgers apron and demonstrated on stage how to spatchcock and roast a chicken during the ceremony. “[This] might possibly be one of the most important lessons you ever learn,” Jacobs told a chuckling audience. “Everyone should be able to make a good roast chicken.”

While the tutorial offered a light-hearted nugget of useful advice, Jacobs made sure to also pepper the graduates with guidance they could apply to their careers and relationships following graduation: remain curious and open to new experiences.

“The thing I love most about cooking is that the learning never stops; as chefs, we’re constantly evolving, experimenting, and refining our style,” said Jacobs. “That endless curiosity is what keeps us inspired. Take that same thirst for knowledge and apply it to whatever you’re passionate about.”

Student speaker Sawyer Getschman was one of 1,545 bachelor’s degree recipients following the fall 2024 semester. An additional 373 students earned master’s degrees and 116 students were awarded doctoral degrees, for a total of 2,034 graduates. Getschman, who earned her bachelor’s in East Asian languages and cultures, said she nearly left UW-Madison after a freshman year marred by the pandemic.

“A hundred little reasons made me stay, but the main one was the people,” said Getschman. “We have encountered so much uncertainty and oddity in our college careers, but we have come out on the other side, stronger and with better stories to tell because of it.”

One powerful source of strength that Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin highlighted in her remarks before the audience of more than 7,500 graduates, friends and relatives centered on “the incredible variety of people” that the graduates met, lived with and worked alongside every day during their time in Madison.

Mnookin implored the graduates to hold onto that cooperative spirit as they entered their next chapter, whether it be a new career, continuing education or something else.

“You are ready,” said Mnookin. “You have had experiences here that you will be able to draw upon in whatever comes next for you. You are prepared, not only by your academic experiences here but also by your many engagements with our community and one another.”

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu. View the ceremony at https://www.wisc.edu/commencement/ and read about it at https://news.wisc.edu/practical-life-lessons-help-provide-recipe-for-success-at-uw-madison-winter-2024-commencement/

Here is the degree recipient from your area:

Whitewater, WI

 Vamsi Krishna Vadlamudi, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026.  Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976.  Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family.  Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more

Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74

Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more